Courtesy PhotoGoods available at the Holiday Artists’ Market at the UICA.GRAND RAPIDS -- Not to incite panic, but the holidays are fast approaching.

If malls aren't appealing this time of year, online shopping seems too overwhelming or buying grandpa a tie for the 10th year in a row just doesn't seem fair, no worries. Local artist markets just might be the remedy for your gift-giving anxiety. Several galleries and institutions that host these markets transform their floors into temporary treasure troves of colorful bounty for seekers of original, mostly hand-made items.

One of the largest accumulations of artists takes place annually inside the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. In its 21st year, UICA's Holiday Artists' Market boasts works by more than 70 local artists, including award-winning artists Mike and Sue Conway, Dustin Farnsworth, CJ Galante, Ryan Greaves, Shelly Klein, Molly Pettengill and Lisa Siebert.

UICA emphasizes quality items by artists whose works cater to West Michigan consumers, according to Phil Meade, UICA's public relations manager and one of the event's organizers.

"Holiday Artists' Market focuses on local artists, so there aren't as many craftspeople like at other markets," he said. "The work created has a lot of variety and will appeal to all audiences."

The venue also will offer a screening of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and children's workshops to occupy kids while parents shop.

Just around the block, another group of artists will unveil new and festive works. The Heartside Gallery and Studio Annual Holiday Sale 5-9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday will feature more than 30 artists from The Heartside Gallery, according to coordinator Sarah Scott.

An organization dedicated to promoting art by self-taught artists who create folk, outsider or intuitive art, The Heartside Gallery will become a stage for works by regionally-recognized artists Myrle Blunt, Paul Harvard, Mike Katerberg, Katalina Corona, Annette Gray and David Boaduz, among others. Most of the paintings, drawings, ornaments, cards, jewelry, ceramics, sculptures and more range in price from about $1 to $100.

Several area arts councils also host holiday sales this time of year. Through Dec. 23, stop by the Lowell Area Arts Council, 149 S. Hudson St., from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday or 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday for its annual "Sleigh Bells & Holly: A Gallery of Fine Art and Gifts." Holland Area Arts Council, 150 E. Eighth St., also displays hundreds of hand-made gift items in its annual "Mainstreet Gallery Shop" 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday through Jan. 1.

Never been to a holiday artists' market? Here are some tips to ensure a merry market experience: Leave your coat at the door (these sales tend to attract thousands of people and temperatures can soar), avoid bringing strollers (chance of walkways is pretty narrow), go fully-rested and well-fed (stimuli abounds, so body and mind should to be alert) and try to bring cash.